EXTERIOR
This delightful very early UK Mazda MX-5 is finished in Silver Stone Metallic (colour code 3L). The paintwork boasts an attractive bright shine and polished finish. Minor age related markings and small imperfections can be seen upon scrutiny, not detracting from the overall excellent appearance. A welcome absence of excess applied underseal allows easy inspection of the very good underside condition. The common modification trend has thankfully been avoided, and this unmolested example is just as Mazda intended. The trim sections are all intact and the black canvas hood is immaculate. The heated glass screen is a welcome upgrade from the often flimsy and discoloured Perspex. An instant success from Mazda upon UK launch in 1990, this example is one of the very first and ready to enjoy.

INTERIOR
Trimmed in the standard Black Cloth upholstery this interior remains as Mazda intended, and everything is co-ordinated perfectly. The high backed seats offer maximum comfort and support, and show only light aging and minor thinning to the driver’s seat bolster. The classic sports dashboard houses a cluster of crystal clear instruments that function precisely, and the leather trimmed steering wheel with white stitching is fully intact. The tonneau cover and original wheel brace, jack and toolkit are all present and even the factory sticker remains attached to the boot carpet! The no frills driver focused concept perfected by Mazda is simply wonderful, and this example upholds that notion perfectly.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
To experience driving a well maintained Mk1 MX-5 is a true motoring delight. The lightweight 1.6 litre 16v DOHC engine sits low and behind the front axle to offer a low centre of gravity and centralised weight distribution making handling perfectly balanced and delightfully responsive. With 113bhp available, a top speed of 115mph and 0-60mph time of 8.3 seconds is achieved. The engine bay is very clean with all factory plates and stickers intact, including the often lost bonnet underside stickers. The close ratio five speed gearbox provides short and positive gear changes. Wide grin motoring guaranteed!

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
This unmodified example retains its factory fitted 14 x 5.5j alloy wheels and correct Mazda centre caps, affectionately known as the ‘Daisy’ style. The wheels are in excellent order with no kerbing damage and only faint markings. Matching Yokohama 185/60R14 tyres fitted in 2016 are virtually as new. The space saver spare tyre is the factory supplied Bridgestone which is unused and has the coloured banding still visible. Ventilated front and solid rear discs install maximum braking confidence.

HISTORY FILE
Registered new on 22nd March 1990 just weeks after the UK launch of the Mazda MX5, this example is known to be a very early UK example and certainly one of the oldest remaining cars. All vehicles regardless of the market they were destined for were assembled at the Mazda plant in Hiroshima. Known to be build number 1738, this incorporates both the Miata for the Northern US market and Eunos for Japan, this example is reputed to be number 16 built for the European market and is a genuine UK car.

A large history folder contains many receipts and invoices for service work throughout and includes a documented cambelt, water pump, brake service and full service in 2016, less than 4,000 miles ago. In addition, there is every MOT certificate dating back to 1996 and two original keys. A wonderful useable Mk1 MX5, ready to enjoy as an ideal modern classic.